One in five crashes involves driver distraction. Drivers who use cell phones in their vehicles have a higher risk of collision than drivers who don't, whether holding the phone or using a hands-free device.

Although Texas has no statewide law banning the use of cell phones while driving for all drivers, many local areas prohibit or limit the use of cell phones while driving. Specific limitations are listed below.

We urge you to drive now and talk later. If you must make a phone call, pull over. Otherwise, wait until you reach your destination to use the phone.

Cell Phone Prohibitions

Drivers with learners permits are prohibited from using handheld cell phones in the first six months of driving.

Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using wireless communications devices.

School bus operators are prohibited from using cell phones while driving if children are present.

In school zones, all drivers are prohibited from texting and using handheld devices while driving.

Local restrictions. According to the Texas Legislative Council, the following cities have ordinances prohibiting texting while driving:

Alamo

Alice

Amarillo

Aransas Pass

Arlington

Austin

Bellaire

Brownsville

Canyon

Conroe

Converse

Corpus Christi

Denton

El Paso

Farmers Branch

Galveston

Grand Prairie

Harlingen

Helotes

Laredo

Magnolia

Maypearl

McAllen

Meadowlakes

Mission

Missouri City

Mount Vernon

Nacogdoches

Palmview

Pampa

Penitas

Richwood

Rowlett

San Antonio

Shoreacres

Sinton

Stephenville

Tomball

Universal City

West University Place

Fines and Cell Phone Ordinance Types

Fines range from $200 to $500.

There are three types of cell phone ordinances:

Ban on all uses of wireless communications devices while driving.

Ban on texting while driving.

Ban on texting and other manual uses of wireless communication devices while driving.

Nearly 40 cities have adopted ordinances since November 2009, when Austin became the first city to enact a citywide ban on texting while driving.